Hadith #5585

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Either be patient like the honourable ones or else seek distraction like the animals.

This wise utterance of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) emphasizes the importance of patience and self-control in the face of challenges and difficulties.

Let us delve into the meanings of some key words in this Hadith. The word (sabarta) "صَبَرْتَ" is derived from the root word (sabara) "صَبَرَ", which means to be patient, steadfast, and to endure. The word (sabr) "صَبْرَ" is mentioned numerous times in the Quran, highlighting its significance in the life of a Muslim. For example, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:153), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

This verse emphasizes the importance of patience and prayer in seeking assistance from Allah.

The word (akarimi) "أكارِمِ" is the plural form of (karim) "كَرِيم", which means honorable, noble, and generous individuals. These are the individuals who possess noble qualities such as patience, self-control, and dignity. They are the ones who exhibit restraint and composure in the face of adversity, and their actions are guided by principles of righteousness and morality.

On the other hand, the word (salawta) "سَلَوْتَ" is derived from the root word (salawa) "سَلَوَىٰ", which means to seek distraction, to be diverted, or to indulge in frivolous activities. The word (bahaimi) "بَهَائِمِ" refers to animals, which are driven by their instincts and desires without any sense of self-control or moral responsibility.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims that they have a choice in how they respond to challenges and difficulties. They can either emulate the honorable ones, who demonstrate patience and self-control, or they can choose to be like animals, seeking distraction and indulging in base desires.

The Quran provides numerous verses that emphasize the importance of patience and self-control. In Surah Al-Imran (3:200), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

O you who have believed, persevere and endure and remain stationed and fear Allah that you may be successful.

This verse encourages believers to persevere and remain steadfast in their faith, even in the face of trials and tribulations.

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:45), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And seek help through patience and prayer, and indeed, it is difficult except for the humbly submissive [to Allah].

This verse highlights the connection between patience and prayer, emphasizing that true patience can only be achieved through a humble submission to Allah.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder that patience is not simply about enduring hardships, but it is also about maintaining one's dignity and moral integrity in the face of challenges. It is about controlling one's desires and impulses, and channeling them towards actions that are pleasing to Allah.

By choosing to be patient like the honorable ones, Muslims can develop qualities such as resilience, perseverance, and self-discipline. They can overcome obstacles and challenges with grace and dignity, and their actions will be guided by the principles of righteousness and morality.

On the other hand, seeking distraction and indulging in base desires, like animals, leads to a loss of self-control and moral responsibility. It can lead to a life of heedlessness and spiritual emptiness, where one is driven solely by their desires and impulses.

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the importance of patience and self-control in the life of a Muslim. By emulating the honorable ones and exercising restraint in the face of difficulties, Muslims can develop qualities that are pleasing to Allah and lead a life of righteousness and moral integrity. Conversely, seeking distraction and indulging in base desires leads to a loss of self-control and moral responsibility. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to be patient like the honorable ones and protect us from being distracted like animals.